We already knew that, like its six predecessors, Star Wars: Episode VII was going to shoot in the UK where expectations were that it would end up at Pinewood Studios. Now we know for sure. Pinewood isn’t talking publicly about the news that was first reported by Screen, but a source close to the production tells me the movie will indeed set up camp at the iconic facility that’s also home to James Bond. Director J.J. Abrams recently said production would start at the beginning of 2014 and that “Most likely we are going to be moving to London at the end of the year” for the film. Pinewood currently has Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella in residence along with Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy. Along with those two films, Star Wars will mark the latest in recent collaborations between Disney and Pinewood. Angelina Jolie-starrer Maleficent shot there earlier this year. But it’s not all Disney business. Fox’s Exodus, the biblical epic from Ridley Scott, will also shoot at Pinewood later this year. With all those movies in residence, will there be enough room? I’m assured that even with a massive project like Star Wars moving in, Pinewood will be able to have two or three other films at the same time.

How they make all that work is Disney’s problem but yes, they are going to contrive a way to bring back Darth Vader into the mix. No way they’d ignore a brand value that huge (if somewhat diminished because of Lucas’ hack work.)

Cuppajoe • on Jun 21, 2013 4:28 am

There must be a brewery nearby where JJ will shoot all the spaceship interiors.

Matt • on Jun 21, 2013 4:28 am

Eps 2 & 3 were shot in Australia, not the UK. Why is this fact continually being left out? And no, Australia is not part of the UK.

Curt Collins • on Jun 21, 2013 4:28 am

You should respect George Lucas for the genius that he is and stop referring to his work as hack.